Ventricular Ejection Fraction is a medical term that describes the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart’s left ventricle each time it contracts. The word "ventricular" is pronounced as /vɛnˈtrɪkjələr/, with the stress on the second syllable. "Ejection" is pronounced as /ɪˈdʒɛkʃən/, with the stress on the first syllable. Finally, "fraction" is pronounced as /ˈfrækʃən/, with stress on the first syllable. In summary, the spelling of this word reflects the correct pronunciation using IPA phonetic transcription.
Ventricular ejection fraction (EF) refers to a numerical measurement used in cardiology to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the heart's pumping ability. It specifically analyzes the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the left or right ventricles during each contraction or heartbeat. The ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body, and deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Ventricular ejection fraction is obtained through a non-invasive imaging technique, typically an echocardiogram or a cardiac MRI. It is calculated by dividing the amount of blood ejected from the ventricle with each heartbeat by the total amount of blood present in the ventricle. The result is expressed as a percentage, with a normal range of 50-75%.
Ventricular ejection fraction is an important indicator of cardiac function and overall heart health. A lower EF percentage signifies reduced pumping efficiency and may be an indication of various heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a myocardial infarction (heart attack). It can also help determine the severity of these conditions, guide treatment decisions, and assess the effectiveness of interventions like medications or surgeries.
In summary, ventricular ejection fraction is a numerical measurement that quantifies the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat, providing valuable information about the heart's efficiency and function.